The IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard is an internationally recognised specification that defines the requirements and acceptance criteria for cable and wire harness assemblies. It covers aspects such as materials, workmanship, inspection methods and quality criteria for assembled cables, ensuring consistency and reliability in production.
About the IPC/WHMA-A-620E standard
The IPC/WHMA-A-620B describes the requirements to produce cable assemblies and everything that goes with them. These include materials, methods, tests and acceptance criteria for the production of crimped, mechanically fastened or soldered connections and the associated assembly operations. If a cable assembly is produced according to one of the described methods, the quality is guaranteed. You can rely on this. Within this standard, the acceptance criteria are clearly divided into target, acceptable and defect.
Cable stripping
Stripping of wire and cable is another important point of attention. For example, the insulation must be stripped straight. With flexible wire or shielding, only a set number of strands may be missing from the connection.
Target
This is a result that is almost perfect. It is a desirable state, which is not always achievable, and may not be necessary to ensure the reliability of the assembly in its operating environment.
Target - Class 1,2,3
- Wire conductor ends are cut perpendicular to the wire longitudinal axis.
- All of the strands of the strand group are the same length.
- Wires are not scraped, nicked, cut, flattened, scored, or otherwise damaged.
Acceptable
This indicates a result that, although not necessarily perfect, guarantees the quality and reliability of the assembly for the relevant use.
Acceptable – Class 1,2,3
- Strand groups cut approximately perpendicular to the wire end.
- All of the strands of the strand group are approximately the same length.
- Attached burrs that will not be dislodged during process or operation.
- Acceptable – Class 1
Process Indicator - Class 2,3
- Strands cut, broken, scraped or severed if the number of damaged or broken strands in a single wire does not exceed the limits.
Defect
This result does not meet the acceptance criteria and negatively affects the form, fit or function of the assembly in its final use. As a manufacturer of cable assemblies, we are obliged to document every defect. Defect - Class 1,2,3
- Variation in strand length within a strand group that prevents installation to the full depth of the crimp contact area.
- Damaged strands exceed the limits.
Length determination
A seemingly simple example is determining the length of the assembly. Between which points do we measure the length? When using contacts or open ends, we measure from the end. When using terminals, we measure from the centre of the terminal connection. The measured lengths must comply with the prescribed tolerances.
Marking and legibility
Also when marking, certain criteria must be met, such as legibility, position and influence on the electrical properties. For example, markings must be legible without magnification, clear, of equal height, and of a colour that contrasts with the background. The marking process must also not damage the product or impair its function in the intended application. An example of this is a laser print on the cable sheath, where the insulation has become more than 20% thinner at that spot.
Crimping contacts
When crimping contacts by machine or manually, it is important that the transition between the insulation and the conductor is centred within the inspection window. The strain relief grips the insulation perfectly, and the wire fits far enough, but not too far, into the contact.
There are numerous other criteria that we evaluate to produce high quality cable assemblies for long-term use for you. Would you like to experience for yourself how perfectly our cable assemblies are produced and finished? Then contact us without obligation and challenge us.
Frequently Asked Questions
IPC/WHMA-A-620B refers to a specific revision of the standard that defines how cable and wire assemblies should be manufactured and inspected. When cable assemblies are produced according to this revision, they are evaluated against clearly defined acceptance criteria for workmanship and quality.
IPC/WHMA-A-620E is a later revision of the same standard and builds on earlier versions such as A-620B. Newer revisions typically include updates, clarifications or expanded criteria, while the core purpose of defining quality and acceptance requirements for cable assemblies remains the same.
The standard distinguishes between different quality levels for workmanship. Target represents an optimal condition, acceptable indicates a condition that meets functional and quality requirements, and defect refers to a condition that does not meet the standard and may negatively affect performance or reliability.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard provides a common reference for manufacturers and customers to assess workmanship and quality. By working according to this standard, cable assemblies can be produced and inspected in a consistent way that supports reliability and repeatability across applications.
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